In an intense matchup at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, Florida State secured a 73-65 victory over Rice in the Battleground 2k24, led by an explosive 30-point performance from Jamir Watkins. Watkins was the clear standout, scoring 17 of his points in the second half as the Seminoles improved to 2-2 on the season.
Watkins showcased efficiency and versatility, making 7 of 14 from the field, 2 of 4 from beyond the arc, and knocking down 14 of 22 from the free-throw line. His scoring barrage began early, as he sank a three-pointer to open the game. Despite a quick response from Rice’s Kellen Amos to tie the score at 4-4, Florida State never relinquished the lead again. Taylor Bol Bowen’s emphatic dunk shortly after gave the Seminoles control, which they maintained throughout the first half.
Malique Ewin was another crucial contributor for Florida State, scoring all 11 of his points in the second half and adding seven rebounds. His key baskets helped fend off Rice’s comeback attempts and reasserted the Seminoles’ control whenever the Owls drew close.
Rice, however, refused to go down easily. Alem Huseinovic hit four three-pointers and led the Owls’ charge with 14 points, while Amos added 12 points, and Trae Broadnax chipped in with 10. Yet, Broadnax struggled to find his shooting rhythm, going just 2-of-10 from the field and committing five turnovers. After a first-half dry spell that lasted over seven minutes without a field goal, Rice fell behind by double digits. Florida State capitalized on Rice’s drought, building a 33-21 lead with just over a minute to go before halftime. A late layup by Jimmy Oladokun Jr. cut the Owls’ deficit to 10 points at the break.
Rice came out firing to start the second half, launching a 9-0 run fueled by three-pointers from Huseinovic and Broadnax, pulling within a point at 34-33. But Ewin quickly shifted momentum back in the Seminoles’ favor, scoring six straight points to push Florida State’s lead back to six. Amos connected on a three-pointer that brought Rice within striking distance at 49-46 with 10 minutes remaining, but Watkins took over from there.
Over the game’s final stretch, Watkins erupted, scoring 16 points—including a powerful right-handed dunk that punctuated a 13-2 Seminole run, giving them a 68-53 cushion with just 2:30 left. Rice couldn’t recover, and Florida State held on for the 73-65 win.
This strong showing marks Florida State’s second win of the season and showcased their resilience and depth, with Watkins and Ewin leading the charge against a tenacious Rice squad. As the Seminoles look ahead to their next matchups, Watkins’ breakout performance provides a promising glimpse into what could be a pivotal season for Florida State basketball.
